lcionline Chapter 366 But the Emperor's expression doesn't seem to like her very much?
Chapter 366 But the Emperor's expression doesn't seem to like her very much?
Yang Qingxue, who was just wearing a delicate pale yellow dress, has vanished without a trace.
Just as she was wondering, a clearer and more melodious tune rang out, drowning out the previous string and wind instruments.
A woman dressed in a brightly colored dance costume, like a fairy on water, gracefully stepped into the arena from behind the flowers.
The dance costume was light and flowing, accentuating her slender waist, so delicate it could be encircled by a single hand. Who else could it be but Yang Qingxue?
She had clearly prepared meticulously; her dance was graceful, and every turn, every glance, carried a deliberate seduction.
Her gaze boldly and directly fell upon Zhao Yunci, who sat in the main seat, making no attempt to conceal her ambition.
The garden suddenly became much quieter, and everyone's attention was drawn to it.
Many ladies secretly pursed their lips, feeling that the eldest daughter of the Yang family was too eager and had lost the composure of a well-bred lady.
But most of the young men watched with rapt attention.
Zhao Yunci put down her wine glass, her gaze calm and fixed on Yang Qingxue, who was dancing gracefully, revealing no emotion.
Yang Qingxue felt a surge of joy as she felt that focused gaze. She danced with even more fervor, and her expression became increasingly charming and smug.
It's said that the current emperor was once a Buddhist disciple, and is detached from worldly desires. But what man doesn't love beautiful women?
As long as you are beautiful and charming enough, why would you be afraid of not being able to capture the emperor's heart?
Chu Ruohan slightly tightened her fingers holding the teacup, looking at the woman who was showing off like a peacock spreading its tail feathers, and couldn't help but shake her head gently.
You dare to show off such a paltry trick before the Emperor?
How stupid!
For the sake of a vague possibility, they put themselves in such a conspicuous position, becoming the target of public criticism, and are not afraid of being torn to shreds.
The eldest daughter whom the Yang family painstakingly raised is so impatient and short-sighted.
The image of Yang Zhaozhao's innocent, white face flashed through her mind.
This Yang Qingxue is far inferior to her half-sister.
With her final spin, Yang Qingxue stopped a short distance in front of Zhao Yunci, knelt down, and bowed deeply, perfectly concluding her dance.
Scattered applause rang out from all around, mostly from officials who were on good terms with the Yang family, offering their flattery.
The officials who brought their daughters into the palace had various expressions...
Some looked gloomy, some sneered, and some turned their heads away in disdain.
Zhao Yunci took in everyone's expressions, put down his wine glass, and nodded calmly.
"Well done," he said calmly. "A reward!"
As soon as she finished speaking, Xiao Fuzi stepped forward, holding a delicate brocade box in both hands.
"Thank you for the reward, Your Majesty!"
Yang Qingxue bowed gracefully in thanks, her eyes brimming with undisguised smugness.
Xiao Fuzi opened the brocade box, inside which were a pair of gold hairpins inlaid with rubies, several pieces of fine brocade, and an exquisite jade bracelet.
This reward was quite generous, and many people present showed expressions of surprise.
Yang Qingxue accepted the reward, her smile almost overflowing.
She turned and walked back to her seat. As she passed the eldest daughter of the Lin family, she deliberately slowed her pace and arrogantly raised her chin.
"Sister Lin, thank you for your encouragement earlier."
Yang Qingxue's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone around to hear.
"It seems I have indeed won the Emperor's favor."
The eldest daughter of the Lin family forced a smile, "My sister's dance is so graceful, it is only right that she receives this reward."
But she couldn't help but add, "However, the palace's rewards are nothing more than the Emperor's grace, so sister should not be too proud of herself."
Yang Qingxue smiled gently, ignoring the sour warning, and gracefully returned to the table, sitting down next to her mother.
Seeing her daughter's smug expression, Madam Yang was pleased, but on the surface she still scolded her: "You were too bold just now."
“My daughter knows her limits,” Yang Qingxue said in a low voice. “The Emperor clearly has a sense of appreciation in his eyes. I have already succeeded in this first step.”
Chu Ruohan took in the whole scene. These women who wanted to climb to the top of power were all using every trick in the book.
But in the end, they became mere pawns, even to the point of being shattered to pieces...
Yun-ge leaned close to her and asked softly, "Mother, why is that sister so happy?"
“She thought she had gained something very important,” Chu Ruohan replied softly, patting her son’s head.
"But the Emperor's expression doesn't seem to show that he likes her very much," Yun-ge'er observed innocently.
Chu Ruohan smiled slightly, unable to help but be amazed by the child's keen perception...
On the other side, Gu Junze was standing in the military camp, with General Shi standing beside him with a solemn expression.
"General, Deputy General Gu led his men to scout Tiger Fang Mountain, but they were discovered by the bandits. Only a few soldiers escaped, and Deputy General Gu has probably been captured!"
Gu Junze frowned: "Who exactly are those people on that mountain?"
"According to the soldiers who escaped, those so-called bandits were well-trained, well-equipped, and all of them were experts!" General Shi said in a deep voice.
Gu Junze nodded, "Immediately assemble three hundred elite soldiers and accompany me to Tiger Fang Mountain!"
"General," General Shi said urgently, "a banquet is being held in the palace for the King of Chu today. If you don't attend..."
"It's alright, I've already sent someone to inform the Emperor."
After saying that, he turned and strode out of the camp, followed by a rapidly assembled elite force.
The banquet in the palace was already halfway through, but Gu Junze still hadn't shown up.
Chu Ruohan was somewhat restless and couldn't even drink the tea in her hand.
"Mother, why isn't Father here yet?" Yun-ge asked, looking up with a puzzled expression.
Chu Ruohan forced a smile: "There must have been some urgent matters in the military that caused the delay."
"Mother, when are we going back?" Yun-ge'er asked, rubbing his eyes, already feeling sleepy.
Looking at her son's tired little face, she became even more determined to leave. She couldn't wait any longer!
Chu Ruohan suddenly stood up, took the hand of Yun Ge'er who was already half asleep beside her, and slightly curtsied to Zhao Yunci, who was in the main seat.
"Your Majesty, I am feeling unwell and must take my leave now. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me."
Zhao Yunci looked up, her gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly pale face, before finally nodding.
"In that case, Madam Gu, please get some rest."
Upon seeing this, the envoy from Zheng immediately stood up, cupped his hands towards Chu Ruohan, and said, "Madam Gu, please wait."
"I will personally visit Your Highness Prince Chu early tomorrow morning to welcome you back."
These words were like ice water poured over his head, instantly waking up the already listless Yun-ge'er. His little face fell, and he tightly gripped Chu Ruohan's sleeve, his eyes slightly reddening.
"Mother..." His voice was choked with sobs, filled with deep reluctance.
Chu Ruohan felt a pang in her heart and squeezed the little guy's cold little hand hard.
She soothed him in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Yun'er, be good. Mother will never break her promise to you. Come home with Mother first."
Yun-ge pouted, tears welling up in his eyes, but he finally nodded firmly and left with Chu Ruohan.